Lawmakers, White House At Odds Over Pell Grant Hike

By Sean Cavanagh

Washington

They have paid tuition, defrayed the financial hit from room and board, and helped millions of college students cover costs they couldn't on their own.

But the popularity of Pell Grants has carried a price. Once again, federal lawmakers face vexing questions about how much money to put into the landmark financial-aid plan, the largest single grant program in the country for post- secondary low-income students. Many observers say a Pell Grant simply doesn't pay for as many college expenses as it once did.

This year, the White House and some members of Congress are at odds over whether to raise the maximum per- student award in the future, even as they debate whether to make up an...